Today we read Genesis 2. Chapter 2 is a more detailed account of creation, focusing on the creation of humankind. It ends by emphasizing that Adam and Eve are not ashamed—they have nothing to be ashamed of. Too often, we are not ashamed because in our spiritual pride we refuse to acknowledge the shamefulness of our thoughts, words, and deeds. One of the reasons that God gave His Law was to teach us shame, to show us our sinfulness and need of forgiveness. There can be no true repentance without the experience of shame. However, in Jesus Christ, God heals our shame, not by allowing us to deny it but by taking our shamefulness upon Himself and declaring us to be without shame in Him (1Jn 2:28). • Jesus, cover my shame with the robe of Your righteousness, that I may serve my family with joy and confidence. Amen. Genesis 3

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 609-610). (Function). Kindle Edition.

We will skip the last book of the Bible, Revelation, because that is a book that is most suitable for people who have been Christians for many years and have read the entire Old Testament. That is why we now jump to the beginning of the Bible and start reading Genesis. *** God makes all things good. He takes great care to place man and woman in the garden to care for the things that He created. Sin has placed the things God created, including us, in bondage to death and decay. Yet Jesus’ death and resurrection has restored the things of God’s creation just as it has restored us (Romans 8:19–23). Indeed, God even used His creation to accomplish our salvation: a cross made of wood; the water of Baptism; the bread and wine of the Eucharist; the printed words on the page in, with, and under which He reveals His Word of life to us. • Lord, You have reclaimed all that is Your own, redeemed and restored all of Your creation to Yourself. Preserve me and Your creation, O Lord, by Your grace. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 601). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read the very short letter of Jude, a brother of Jesus, to Christians. Jude emphasizes that salvation is not based on our own reason or strength but is wholly the Father’s work in Christ. As the Lord grants you opportunity, share the message of salvation with boldness, for it truly comes from the Lord and He truly works through that testimony, leading those who repent to great joy. • Lord, grant me present joy in my service and everlasting joy in the glories of heaven You prepared for me through Christ Jesus. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 11019-11020). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read the third of the three short letters by John to Christians. *** John gives Christ’s blessing of peace and extends the greetings of all of Gaius’s friends in Ephesus. John withholds all that he might say about Diotrephes until he meets with Gaius face-to-face. Today, when called upon to tell the truth in any controversial situation, you should exercise similar care and discretion. The peace with which the apostle John blesses Gaius is a peace that none can take away; it is peace not as the world gives, but only as Christ gives. • Heavenly Father, You called each one of us by name through Baptism into Your Son. Grant us the peace that passes all understanding, which is beyond the reach of men who put themselves first. Keep us in Christ’s peace until the day when we have no more need for the Word of God on paper and in ink—for then we shall see Christ the Word face-to-face. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10997). (Function). Kindle Edition.